The Rudd Labor Government has today approved $237,000 to improve and upgrade the main streets of Ingham.

Minister Albanese was in Ingham today to survey the flood damage with Mayor Pino Giandomenico and announce funding to support the community.

The funding will be delivered from the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program in order to support jobs and boost the local economy by building local infrastructure.

The Hinchinbrook Shire Council will receive this funding for upgrades, which include:

• Construction of a 60-metre covered walkway in Mercer Lane to connect the off-street car park to Lannercost Street;


• Construction of a pedestrian shelter on Lannercost Street (near the Commonwealth Bank building); and


• Pedestrian shading and minor landscape improvements in the Ingham CBD area.

I am pleased to be able to approve funding so quickly for the local community.

The Community Infrastructure Program is aimed squarely at stimulating local economies and helping communities respond to the global financial crisis.

Investing in local projects is a great way to generate construction activity and provide much-needed infrastructure to local communities.

The Rudd Government is determined to act decisively with local communities to support jobs and improve the quality of local infrastructure.

We are delivering the $800 million for community infrastructure in two components:

• $250 million to be shared between all councils and shires; and


• $550 million to be allocated through competitive grants.

Today’s funding is part of the $250 million component, under which councils and shires submitted more than 3,600 projects.

The Council will receive a contract shortly. I encourage them to sign and return it as quickly as possible so funds can be released.